Agency A cross-section of lactating women in Bauchi State on Friday said that they can no longer afford a balanced diet to sustain exclusive breastfeeding due to the rising cost of foodstuff. The mothers spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, as the Bauchi State Government, international partners and stakeholders create awareness on exclusive breastfeeding, to mark the 2024 annual World Breastfeeding Week. They said that due to the current economic situation, they cannot increase their intake of nutrient-dense foods like meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and others which are very important for a new mother.
Mrs Nuratu Maigari, a 28-year-old mother of a three-month-old baby, said, ”I fear that this age-long tradition of breastfeeding a baby for at least six months exclusively, may not continue due to the present economic hardship. ”I breastfed two other children exclusively and that was a life-sharing experience. I cannot do that with this baby due to the present hardship.
”It is important for a new mother to eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans and vegetables at least two to three times per day so that she can have enough milk for the baby and energy for herself.” She said that mothers feel more hungry and thirsty while breastfeeding. Eating well, she said, does have a big effect on the amount or quality of your milk.
Mrs Jamila Usman, another new mum, said things are so difficult as she and her family cannot afford daily meals. ”I will have to .